Activists call for concussion bill

HARRISBURG — — Public health activists called on state lawmakers Tuesday to pass legislation that mandates new education on and treatment requirements for concussions suffered by student athletes.

"Even a ding or a bump on the head can be serious and result in a lifelong disability," said Rep. Tim Briggs, D-Montgomery, who's pushing the measure in the House. The suburban Philadelphia lawmaker's bill is before the House Education Committee.

A companion bill, sponsored by Sen. Pat Browne, R-Lehigh, cleared the Senate Education Committee in February and is now before the Senate Appropriations Committee, which is typically the last stop before a vote by the chamber.

Browne's bill would require student-athletes who suffer concussions to be taken out of the game and evaluated by someone who specializes in brain injuries before they're cleared to play again. Coaches who violate this provision would face penalties.

Browne's bill also requires coaches to undergo training on the risks of brain injuries. It also orders the departments of Health and Education to post information about the risks of brain injuries and concussions on its Web pages. Students and parents would also be required to review such information before the son or daughter participates in school or club sports.

Browne said Tuesday that the bill could receive a vote from the Appropriations panel as soon as next week. He's working on assuaging concerns from his colleagues that the bill could open some educators and coaches to legal liability.

Tracy Yatsko, 23, a former basketball star at Tamaqua Area High School until a head injury ended her playing career in 2005, told a crowd in the Capitol rotunda that "this bill should not be about safety and politics. It should be about our safety and protection. We deserve action."